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Hear the stories behind the places and collections in our care with our podcast episodes, series and playlists.
Wild Tales nature podcast
Introducing Wild Tales, the new podcast for nature lovers. From untangling the strange mating habits of spiders and digging up the greatest fossil finds, to meeting mysterious ocean giants and finding out why there's no such thing as a seagull, you'll experience our natural world in a whole new way.
Join nature experts Rosie Holdsworth, Ajay Tegala and Heather Birkett on adventures around the UK's diverse habitats as they uncover tales that connect us with wildlife and the environment.
Take your pick of our latest episodes, or follow Wild Tales on your favourite podcast app for when you're on the go.
Bioluminescent Bay Watch | Strange Things Light up the Ocean
Bioluminescent tides, often referred to as the northern nights of the ocean, are caused by organisms that light up from within when a particular chemical reaction occurs. From microscopic dinoflagellates to anglerfish and glow-worms, hear from Marine Biologist Dr Yasmin Meeda as she explores the strange world of bioluminescence.
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The Queer Life of a Cockchafer
There's much more to a common cockchafer than meets the eye. Join Ecologist Conor Butler to find out more about what these beetles, also known as May bugs, can teach us about science, humanity and the fluidity of the natural world.
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Bonus episode: Chris Packham | Spring, Birding and Pied Flycatchers
Three weeks into Springwatch filming at the Longshaw Estate in the Peak District, Ajay wants to find out more about this year's cast of creatures from the wildlife legend himself, Chris Packham. Join Ajay and Chris on their walk as they chat about their shared love of birds, including the black and white migrant pied flycatchers that choose to spend their summer at the estate.
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Green Therapy | The Healing Power of Gardens
At the National Trust, we believe there's nothing quite as restorative as getting out in nature. Visitor Linda Stuart agrees, and has spent time in the garden at Packwood House in Warwickshire almost daily to get her nature fix. Join Linda as she speaks to presenter Heather about the healing power of the great outdoors.
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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pet Craze
It's the 1980s and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have burst onto the scene, amassing millions of fans worldwide. Discover how this franchise sparked a huge craze for pet turtles, and more surprisingly, how it led to invasive freshwater turtles becoming a familiar sight in our waterways.
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Remembering Sycamore Gap
On 27 September 2023, the famous Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland was felled overnight in an act of vandalism, triggering a far-reaching wave of shock and sorrow. Explore the significance of this beloved landmark, the aftermath of its loss and the community’s efforts to preserve its memory. This classic episode has been updated following renewed interest in the tree and its legacy.
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Bird Accents | Saving Urban Birdsong
Did you know that birds from different regions have their own distinct accents, much like we do? However, one of these performers, the chaffinch, is at risk of dying out in urban areas due to disease. In this episode, discover how recording their disappearing birdsong can help experts understand how this disease is spreading.
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Pteridomania | When Fern Frenzy Swept the UK
You may be familiar with ferns as popular leafy houseplants, but are you aware that a certified fern frenzy, or pteridomania, swept through Victorian Britain in the mid-1800s? Learn more about this decades-long phenomenon, which saw amateur naturalists swarm into the countryside looking for specimens, and the impact the frenzy had on sexuality and conservation.
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Dolphin Social Networks | Mothers, Besties and Bodyguards
Did you know that bottlenose dolphins have their own social network? These connections determine everything, from who's belly rolling who to which calf survives. Get transported beneath the waves of West Wales and learn more about one of the ocean's most loved and misunderstood mammals.
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The Elusive Leaping Shark | Searching for Cryptic Creatures
Uncover the mystery of the leaping shark. Ranger Rosie takes you from Cornwall to Florida and back again to discover more about these swift creatures that lurk beneath – and sometimes above – the water's surface.
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Gangster Gulls | Uncovering the Truth About Seagulls
Seagulls have a bad reputation – but do they deserve it? Join Ranger Rosie Holdsworth as she investigates the gulls at Poole Harbour in Dorset for their chip-stealing behaviour and their vital role in coastal ecosystems.
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Introducing Wild Tales
Wild Tales is launching on 26 March. Immerse yourself in stories from our weird, wonderful and utterly wild world.
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Our partners
Wild Tales is sponsored by Cotswold Outdoor, our exclusive walking partner. We’ve partnered with them to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
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